Bruce Pasfield

Bruce’s interest in the environment dates to his young teens when he participated in field trips to nature preserves on Long Island including the Elizabeth A. Morton and Wertheim National Wildlife Refuges. These trips were led by a biology professor and ornithologist who helped found the Environmental Defense Fund, an organization that at the time, was dedicated to combatting the harmful effects of DDT on osprey and other wildlife.  This early experience ultimately led Bruce to attend Vermont Law School and pursue a career in environmental law.

As a professional, Bruce had a distinguished 35-year career as a trial attorney focusing on the prosecution and defense of environmental crimes. He started as a state prosecutor in Florida where he helped establish the first network of prosecutors dedicated to addressing environmental crimes in the state.  In 1990, he took a position in Washington DC as a trial attorney with the U.S. Justice Department’s environmental crimes section.  In this role he tried precedent setting cases under the Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and earned numerous distinguished service awards as well as the Attorney General’s Special Achievement for excellence in litigation.  In 2007, Bruce joined the law firm of Alston and Bird where he headed its Washington DC environmental practice.  In that role he advised clients on compliance with environmental laws and defended them against government enforcement actions.  

Since retiring, Bruce has stayed active serving as President of the Board of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation (JHWF) and as an assistant coach for the Jackson Hole High School football team.  As President of the JHWF, he helped guide the Foundation through a period of tremendous growth as well an executive director transition, and the unique challenges posed by Covid-19. His efforts helped the Foundation grow from three to five full-time employees, and to double its annual revenues.  Bruce continues to be an active volunteer for JHWF. He enjoys hiking, birdwatching, skiing, golfing and is a dedicated grandparent.